Division Manager:Mary Plazoe: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About the Division

The Special Collections Division houses the Library's genealogy and local history materials. Our goal is to collect, preserve, and provide access to the history of Summit County and to continue to maintain one of the area's most extensive genealogy collections.

Our genealogy collection includes books, microfilm, periodicals, databases and more. While our collections are focused primarily on Ohio and surrounding states, we also actively collect materials for the states of the Eastern Seaboard, New England and the South.

Our local history collection includes a variety of materials pertaining to all aspects of Akron and Summit County history including the archival and photograph collections of the Summit County Historical Society. Sharing and providing access to these materials is our goal.

Summit Memory

The Summit Memory project is a countywide, collaborative effort to make available some of the remarkable local history collections maintained by our partner institutions. If your organization is located in Summit County and would like to participate in Summit Memory, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at 330.643.9030.

Science & Technology Division

Address:1st Floor60 South High StreetAkron, Ohio 44326

Phone: 330.643.9075

Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Division Manager:Brett Neffe: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About the Division

Welcome to the TechZone@Main conveniently located on the first floor of the Main Library. Home to the largest collection of public computers in the Library system, we invite you to utilize and engage in the many new technologies available. Our computers provide a full range of applications. In addition we provide all the basics including: printers, scanners, fax machines and copiers. TechZone@Main provides space for learning, exploring, and satisfying your computer needs in a comfortable environment.

Have your own laptop, tablet or smartphone? Bring them to the TechZone@Main and take advantage of our free wireless service which includes internet access and wireless printing. Standard pricing applies to all print jobs and yes, color printing is available.

The TechZone@Main staff is eager to help you with all your technology needs. If you are looking for more in depth studies, attend one of the many free computer classes offered in the training labs adjacent to the TechZone@Main. Classes range from the basic introductory topics to internet and social media to tablets and e-readers to advanced Microsoft Office Suite.

Make the TechZone@Main your first stop for all your technology needs.

Children's Library

Address:2nd Floor60 South High StreetAkron, Ohio 44326

Phone: 330.643.9050

Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Division Manager:Trish Saylore: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About the Division

The Children's Library serves children from birth through age 12, their families, and teachers. The Children's Library at Main measures approximately 12,000 square feet, similar to the size of our branches. Our collection includes board books, picture books, beginning readers, nonfiction, magazines, audio, and foreign language materials. Our DVD and audio collections are aimed at the Early Childhood group and for children up to age 8. We do not carry feature films. Those are shelved in Culture & AV. We also have computers that have built-in games for young children and public-use computers with Internet access.

The Children's Library also provides services specifically aimed at educators. Our Resources for Early Childhood Educators (RECE) Lab is in one half of our program rooms. The RECE Lab houses equipment for educators, early childhood caregivers and homeschoolers, including 2 laminators, a binder, and three Ellison die-cut machines. Orientations and trainings in the RECE Lab are conducted by the Public Service Assistant and the Early Childhood Specialist. Another service for teachers is our Books in Boxes program. The Children's Library provides Books in Boxes sets for elementary school teachers. These are 35 copies of one title in a box. They can be booked ahead of time through the Children's Library and picked up at Main or at a branch.

The Children's Library conducts a host of programs for the public, including preschool story times, our monthly Paws for Reading with certified therapy dogs, a monthly play time, afterschool activities, special Saturday events, and tours of the department.